I Believe in Jesus’ Holy Conception and Birth

Minister:
Date: AM
Text: Luke 1; Lord's Day 14
Psalters: 30, 244, 230, 403
  1. The event.
    1. The incarnation has always been denied by some, because it is essential to the gospel (cf. I John 4:3).
    2. Scripture teach clearly the incarnation, so our Savior is both human and divine, very God and very man.
      1. First, the Spirit inspired Matthew (1:23) to interpret Isaiah 7 with the distinct word: "virgin."
      2. In the incarnation: the second Person of the Trinity (always divine) took upon Himself our human nature (Rom. 9:5; I Jn 4:2).
      3. His conception and birth was a willing deed on His part (Phil. 2:7).
    3. The incarnation requires the virgin birth, and Mary remained a virgin till after Jesus’ birth (Matt. 1:25; Lk. 1:37).
  2. The benefits of Jesus' holy conception and virgin birth.
    1. First, the result of the incarnation via the virgin is that Jesus has a perfect human nature (without original sin).
    2. Second, Jesus took away our sin at its very root.
    3. Third, He is justly able to be identified with us.
    4. When He chose to become man, taking on Himself God’s wrath and judgment, it was for our sins.
      1. His real humanity enabled Him to take on Himself all our sinfulness and sin.
      2. His deity assures me that His birth and death are of infinite value to satisfy God's justice for all my sinfulness and sin.
  3. The great comfort.
    1. The gospel is one of condescension and grace: God coming down to sinful man in undeserved love for sinners.
    2. Also Jesus is able to sympathize with our weaknesses (Hebrew 4:15).
    3. And He is able, as the Son of Man, to be a fitting Judge (John 5:22,27).